Saturday school starts

PRESERVING the Ukrainian language, culture and traditions is at the heart of a new school for the region.

Based at Hallmuir near Lockerbie, the area’s first Ukrainian Saturday School was officially launched last weekend.

It was described as “exciting new step” in the lives of Ukrainian refugees who have come to make their lives in this part of Scotland and has had a huge and enthusiastic response from Ukrainian parents and children alike.

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TEAMWORK . . . left to right: Lyubov Shymko, Kateryna Sokoluk, Inna Dorofeieva, Anna Yaoyao, Yana Hrabovska, Natalya Nikitina, Maryna Voitiuk and Olena Larina. *** Local Caption *** TEAMWORK . . . left to right: Lyubov Shymko, Kateryna Sokoluk, Inna Dorofeieva, Anna Yaoyao, Yana Hrabovska, Natalya Nikitina, Maryna Voitiuk and Olena Larina[/caption]

The driving force behind the whole initiative and current leader is Lyubov Shymko, a former professor in Ukraine, who since arriving in Dumfries has been working at the Crichton campus.

She is thrilled to see her dream come true of a Ukrainian school in her new home territory and to transform her passion for creating inclusive environment into reality.

Speaking at the opening, Lyubov said: “It is no coincidence that our school is located in this special place for Ukrainians. It is here, in the former camp, that those who loved Ukraine, fought for its independence, and worked, lived. It is here they founded the first Ukrainian church, which, thanks to their children and grandchildren, still operates today.

“And we, as the new wave of Ukrainians, are called to preserve and enhance our language, cultural and spiritual values. We have created this space to pass on to our children the most valuable things: the native language, traditions, and the connection with our homeland. “Our children will grow not only educated but also proud of their identity.”

The school will be overseen by teacher Yana Hrabovska, originally from Donetsk but living in Carlisle since 2023.

And the spiritual mentor will be Father Andriy Chernenko, the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy vicar for Scotland. He attended on Saturday to bless the school and the children and Lyubov said: “It was a deep and solemn moment in the charming Hallmuir Ukrainian Chapel. Another milestone in its life.”

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BIG DAY . . . long-serving volunteer Mary MacRae, from Annan, who as a child was baptised at Hallmuir Chapel, cuts a ribbon alongside the youngest class member, four-year-old Dariia Muzychenko
*** Local Caption *** BIG DAY . . . long-serving volunteer Mary MacRae, from Annan, who as a child was baptised at Hallmuir Chapel, cuts a ribbon alongside the youngest class member, four-year-old Dariia Muzychenko[/caption]

Meanwhile, the ribbon was cut by Mary MacRae, who herself was baptised the in this church and is a stalwart to ensure it’s preserved for future generations. She was joined by youngest member of the community – Daryna.

A bell was then rung loudly to mark the start of the school and spread the noise of the Ukrainian spirit around.